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Baltimore looks to keep Chen, Gonzalez fresh

Baltimore looks to keep Chen, Gonzalez fresh

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Wei-Yin Chen

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ARLINGTON -- The Orioles moved back the starts of Wei-Yin Chen and Miguel Gonzalez on Wednesday, setting up the rotation where they'll pitch back-to-back to open a home series against the White Sox on Monday and Tuesday.

Left-hander Zach Britton will start Friday's first game of the homestand against the Toronto Blue Jays, getting his normal rest with Thursday's off-day. Right-hander Chris Tillman, who beat Texas on Tuesday night, will take his regular turn Sunday against the Jays. Showalter said he is still undecided on Saturday's starter.

Chen and Gonzalez will get two extra days between starts. Chen pitched Sunday in a 7-5 victory over Detroit, giving up five runs in the first inning. Gonzalez went five innings in a 5-1 loss to the Rangers on Monday night.

Showalter said he factored in several things before making the decision, including their numbers in their recent start and possible arm fatigue late in the season, plus an eye-ball test.

"We want to freshen them up a little," Showalter said. "We've been trying to be protective like we have all year long. Try to get ahead of anything that might come up. They're both fine."

Steve Johnson, the Orioles' current long man out of the bullpen, will likely get the start Saturday, even if he was needed for a few innings Wednesday against the Rangers.